Shreveport-Bossier Launches ‘Destination 318’ Tourism Challenge

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Community brainstorming session for Destination 318 tourism challenge.

News Summary

The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau has introduced an exciting initiative, ‘Destination 318’, aiming to inspire community involvement in boosting local tourism. With $100,000 in prizes, the challenge encourages local businesses and entrepreneurs to provide innovative ideas that enhance the tourism experience. Applications are open until February 28, 2025, and participants must attend three workshops. This initiative not only aims to attract more visitors but also improves local quality of life, bringing the community together to envision a vibrant tourism future.

Shreveport-Bossier Kicks Off Exciting ‘Destination 318’ Tourism Challenge!

Get ready, Shreveport-Bossier! A thrilling new competition has just been launched to spark tourism and boost the local economy. The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau is rolling out a fantastic initiative called Destination 318. This isn’t just any competition—there’s a whopping $100,000 up for grabs!

What’s the Buzz About Destination 318?

Destination 318 is aimed at inspiring businesses and budding entrepreneurs to step up and contribute innovative ideas to the tourism scene in Shreveport-Bossier. It’s all part of a bigger vision outlined in the recently created Destination Master Plan, which highlights specific needs in the local community. It’s time to think outside the box and come up with cool new ways to attract tourists!

Who Can Join in the Fun?

If you’re a business owner or an entrepreneur with a brilliant idea, this is your chance! Existing businesses from surrounding areas, like Texarkana, are also welcome to apply, as long as they’re planning to expand into Shreveport-Bossier. The goal is to fill the gaps in tourism offerings, so if you have a suggestion like setting up equipment rentals for outdoor adventures or opening a unique shop or restaurant near the convention center, this competition might be just for you!

Support and Resources Available

Worried about how to tackle your application? No problem! The Convention and Tourist Bureau has teamed up with the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP) to provide help for applicants. They are ready to offer guidance on business evaluation and financial modeling, alongside hosting training sessions that will cover all the essentials. You’ll even have access to accounting services from Carrigs & Ingram and legal aid from the law firm Bradley Murchison, if you make it to the winners’ circle!

Exciting Prizes Up for Grabs

Now, let’s talk about the prizes! The top contender of the competition will score a fantastic $50,000. But wait, there’s more! Other standout submissions will also receive prizes, plus there’s a People’s Choice Award worth $2,000 waiting for the most popular idea. So there’s really no shortage of motivation to bring your best foot forward!

How to Get Started

Now that you’re feeling inspired to jump in, mark your calendar because applications are open until February 28, 2025. Interested applicants can find all the details and submit their ideas over at VisitShreveportBossier.org. But here’s the catch: participation requires attending three mandatory workshops hosted by EAP. In these sessions, you’ll dive into sustainable business models, marketing strategies, and scaling for long-term success—so make sure to sign up!

What’s in It for the Community?

The ultimate goal of this initiative is twofold: to elevate the visitor experience and improve the quality of life for those who live here. Whether your interest lies in outdoor recreation, hospitality, arts, culture, or entertainment, your ideas can help shape what tourism looks like in our region.

Community Input is Key!

Shreveport-Bossier residents are encouraged to think about what tourism-related services they’d love to see pop up in downtown and other vibrant areas. This is a unique opportunity for the whole community to get involved and push local business growth while attracting more tourists to enjoy all that Shreveport-Bossier has to offer.

So gather those thoughts and start dreaming big! With Destination 318, the future of tourism in Shreveport-Bossier is looking brighter than ever—let’s make it happen!